@lucy_mail

Instagram: @lucy_mail Website: www.lucymail.us  

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I currently live in Brooklyn but I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and went to school in Athens, Georgia. I've lived in NYC for the past 7 years and worked as a graphic designer and art director for various brands until I left my job in February to work on illustration projects for Lucy Mail. I'm currently about to launch my second set of printed stationery, and have a couple more projects in the works for this year and next.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I like to paint foods and objects, especially the kind that make people remember something familiar that they've forgotten about or haven't thought of in a while.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

I love gouache because it's so matte and graphic (and conveniently easy to clean up).

4. What is your artistic process like?

I keep a running list of ideas of things to paint on envelopes, usually thought of while I'm making my bed or doing mundane housework. I usually sketch something first in a sketchbook with pencil to make sure I know how to draw the object, and then I decide what color envelope to use and I start painting directly onto the envelope with gouache. I used to want to be one of those people who draws all the time and keeps a sketchbook and fills one up every year at least. I would buy new sketchbooks regularly, and they would sit empty because I didn't know where to start. I didn't want to mess up this nice new object that is an blank sketchbook. Then I started drawing on postcards and envelopes and sending them away in the mail to my friends and family. I liked to imagine them getting mail at the end of the day, and it was so much easier to draw on something that I wasn't going to keep. So that's how I sort of tricked myself into drawing every day.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

I'm inspired by my love for food and nostalgia. Going on a trip also always makes me want to make things. When I can't do that, I find it motivating read about other women who've made a name for themselves in art, television, literature, etc. and knowing that they've all worked really hard and put one foot in front of the next to get to where they are now. As cliche as that is, it's helpful to see someone succeeding while practicing it.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

Hmm that's a tough question. I gravitate towards art that's personal and autobiographical, so I suppose I find art to be a great record keeping tool. I love seeing into people's sketchbooks and scrolling through my favorite artist's instagram feeds.

7. Where did you study?

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully making a living with Lucy Mail (fingers crossed).

9. What about in ten?

In 10 years, I'd like to feel settled somewhere and have a hammock in my backyard and be able to travel often.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I just hope to keep making art throughout my life. Even if it's not my living or my primary occupation, I hope to keep creating for myself.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

Favorite savory food is pizza. Favorite sweet food is a tie between brownies and chocolate chip cookies.

12. Favourite book?

For now (and for the past two years), The Neapolitan Series by Elena Ferrante. I also love everything I've ever read by Alice Munro.

13. Favourite genre of music?

I listen to less and less music over the years, unfortunately, but I'll always love Vince Guaraldi.

14. What are your hobbies?

Reading, eating, walking, and hanging out with my friends and family.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

A park ranger in Big Sur.